The book of Hebrews is a rich tapestry of biblical theology, weaving together threads from the Hebrew Scriptures to reveal the person and work of Jesus Christ. Though the authorship remains uncertain, what is unmistakable is the author’s mastery of the Old Testament—particularly the Psalms. This article explores how Psalms 8 and 40 are reinterpreted and employed in Hebrews 2:5–9 and 10:5–9, revealing a typological and Christological fulfillment of David’s experiences.
Psalm 8 in Hebrews 2:5–9
Psalm 8 marvels at the dignity and frailty of humanity. David asks, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” (Ps. 8:4). While this question can express lament in Job or rebuke in Psalm 144, here it reflects awe at divine care.¹ Guthrie notes that the psalm emphasizes human weakness against God’s majesty.² Goldingay draws a parallel to Genesis 1, where humanity receives dominion, and argues that Elohim should be translated as “God” rather than “angels,” underscoring humanity’s divine-imaging authority.³
The Septuagint, however, renders Elohim as “angels,” a translation echoed in Hebrews. This nuance shifts the psalm’s focus from human sovereignty to temporary subordination. Goldingay suggests this change reflects a postlapsarian view—humans losing dominion due to disobedience.⁴ In this reading, Psalm 8 does not refer to a messianic or eschatological figure but to humanity in its ideal form. Yet the author of Hebrews does something profound.
Hebrews 2:5–9 reinterprets Psalm 8 typologically. Though originally not messianic, the passage is now applied to Christ as the fulfillment of humanity’s calling. Guthrie argues this shift reveals the author’s hermeneutical approach—David’s ideal man finds completion in Jesus.⁵ The “Son of Man” becomes the exalted Messiah who, though temporarily lower than angels, now reigns in glory (Heb. 2:9). Lane suggests this tradition may have developed through Stephen’s use of “Son of Man” in Acts 7.⁶ Guthrie notes the “hook words” that connect Hebrews 2 to Hebrews 1, bringing Psalm 110:1 into juxtaposition with Psalm 8.⁷ The result is a theological bridge from creation to consummation in Christ.
Psalm 40 in Hebrews 10:5–9
Psalm 40 presents the psalmist’s desire to obey God over offering sacrifices. The Hebrew text reads, “You opened my ears,” while the Septuagint translates it as “a body you have prepared for me.” Gough confirms this textual divergence.⁸ Goldingay interprets “dug ears” as a metaphor for spiritual receptivity—God enables obedience beyond ritual.⁹ Longman agrees, emphasizing God’s desire for surrender over ceremony.¹⁰
Craigie connects the psalm to Deuteronomy 17, where kings are called to obey divine law.¹¹ Thus, David, as king, approaches God with a heart attuned to His will. Guthrie concurs, identifying a typological fulfillment in Christ, where David’s kingship foreshadows perfect obedience.¹²
Hebrews 10:5–9 adopts the Septuagint’s phrasing—“a body you have prepared for me”—interpreting it as a reference to Jesus’ incarnation and mission. Guthrie clarifies that the focus is not solely on the incarnation but on Christ’s lifelong submission to the Father’s will.¹³ Lea adds that Jesus abolishes the first covenant to establish the new through His obedience.¹⁴ The sacrificial system yields to the incarnate Son, whose offering surpasses all rituals.
Christological Reinterpretation of Non-Messianic Psalms ️
What is striking about both Hebrews passages is the way the author reinterprets Psalms not originally viewed as messianic. Instead of a direct prophecy-fulfillment model, the author employs typological fulfillment. David’s experiences—his dominion, obedience, and kingship—serve as shadows of Christ’s ultimate work.
Psalm 8’s ideal man becomes Christ, who restores humanity’s lost dominion. Psalm 40’s obedient king becomes Christ, who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. This theological method honors the original context while unveiling its Christological depth.
Conclusion: Seeing Christ in David’s Psalms
In Hebrews 2 and 10, the author reveals a profound truth: the Psalms contain more than praise—they point to a person. By reinterpreting non-messianic texts through a Christological lens, Hebrews invites readers to see the continuity of Scripture and the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus.
David’s awe, obedience, and longing are answered in Christ, the exalted Son who reigns in glory and fulfills the Father’s will. In Him, the ideal man and the obedient king find their consummation—and so do we.
References
- Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72, Kidner Classic Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008), 84.
- George H. Guthrie, “Hebrews,” in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, eds. G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 944.
- John Goldingay, Psalms Volume 1, Baker Old Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006), 159–160.
- Ibid., 161.
- Guthrie, “Hebrews,” 945.
- George H. Guthrie and Russell D. Quinn, “A Discourse Analysis of Psalm 8:4–8 in Hebrews 2:5–9,” Journal of Evangelical Theological Society 49, no. 2 (2006): 244.
- Guthrie, “Hebrews,” 947.
- Henry Gough, New Testament Quotations Collated with the Scriptures of the Old Testament (London: Walton & Moberty, 1855), 129.
- Goldingay, Psalms Volume 1, 573.
- Tremper Longman, Psalms, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014), 188.
- Craigie in George Guthrie, “Hebrews,” 976.
- Ibid., 976–977.
- Donald Guthrie, Hebrews, Tyndale New Testament Commentary (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1983), 205.
- Thomas Lea and Max Anders, Hebrews & James, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishers, 1999), 169.
Bibliography
Beale, G. K., and D. A. Carson, eds. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007.
Goldingay, John. Psalms Volume 1. Baker Old Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006.
Gough, Henry. New Testament Quotations Collated with the Scriptures of the Old Testament. London: Walton & Moberty, 1855.
Guthrie, Donald. Hebrews. Tyndale New Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1983.
Guthrie, George H., and Russell D. Quinn. “A Discourse Analysis of Psalm 8:4–8 in Hebrews 2:5–9.” Journal of Evangelical Theological Society 49, no. 2 (2006): 235–246.
Kidner, Derek. Psalms 1–72. Kidner Classic Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008.
Lea, Thomas, and Max Anders. Hebrews & James. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishers, 1999.
Longman, Tremper. Psalms. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014.
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